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This coming Small Business Week, Oct. 21 to 25, YSpace, local organizations and business stakeholders have assembled a whole week of events to celebrate and help small businesses grow. The full lineup of events in Georgina can be viewed at georginachamber.com/SBW.

Workshop 1: The Living Wage: An Incentive for Fair Work and Sustainable Communities

When: Tues., Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 

Where: 1 Market Street, Sutton

Over the past five decades, Brouwer Kesmac has grown from a modest operation into a global leader in turf equipment manufacturing. What began as a sod farm in the 60s and then a separate harvester manufacturing business in 1972, has blossomed into a company known worldwide for its innovation in turf harvesting technology. Beyond its industry-leading breakthroughs and international recognition, Brouwer Kesmac remains deeply rooted in the community of Georgina, where it all began. 

In the heart of Georgina, Ontario, a remarkable craft brewery has taken root and flourished, symbolizing resilience, community spirit, and a passion for exceptional beer. Turkey Shoot Brewing Company, owned and operated by Kyle and Jaclyn, has quickly become a local favourite and a notable player in the craft beer scene. Its journey, marked by determination and innovation, is a testament to the power of local business and the rich culture of craft brewing.

In 2013, a simple desire to provide healthier food for their furry companions sparked a journey that would transform a passion into a thriving business. It all began when the founders of ADR Pet Stores, Ryan and Jen Radley, switched their beloved fur babies, Thor and Orpheus, to a raw diet. The results were remarkable – improved health, glossy coats and a renewed vitality. This revelation prompted them to share their discovery with friends and family, who soon became loyal customers.

In Georgina, ON, a flavourful success story has been brewing for nearly two decades—Chetty's Hot Sauce. What began in the Chetty family's home has evolved into a thriving business that not only embodies entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights the appeal of Georgina as an ideal place to do business.

There’s no such thing as a business park where opportunities sell themselves — but the 500-acre Keswick Business Park in the Town of Georgina comes pretty close. Nestled along the south shore of Lake Simcoe, Georgina is located about an hour north of Toronto and the new business park offers one of the most extensive footprints for business development in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Business owners choose Georgina to start and expand their small businesses

Owning and operating a small business involves passion and a great deal of hard work. When choosing to start or expand a business, you want to ensure you’ve chosen a place where you feel supported by your community, where you see opportunity and growth to ensure long-term success, and where you can relax and enjoy where you live with a balanced work/life lifestyle. 

As October ushers in cooler weather and Halloween draws near, many visitors seek more than fall foliage and cozy vibes. For those with a taste for the paranormal, Georgina offers a spine-tingling selection of haunted locations, each steeped in history and eerie tales. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious traveller, these haunted spots in Georgina promise to give you goosebumps. Here are five of the many spookiest places to explore this October:

It can be overwhelming at times for tourism businesses and event organizers to know what resources are available to help promote their business and events to a wider market. A tourism business includes many businesses such as hotels and resorts (accommodations), restaurants (food and beverage), art galleries and cinemas (entertainment), boutique shops and more. It is essentially any business that a visitor would access during a short-term or long-term stay. Below is a list of valuable resources you can take advantage of to increase your business or event exposure.

Keswick has welcomed Oh!Nest Cafe at 672 The Queensway S. Owners Eddy and Hanna Heider, and their son Ronnie, are excited to take on their next business venture and share their love of food. The family has spent many years in the hospitality and tourism sector, most recently running a restaurant on Main Street in Newmarket called Aubergine.

Many longtime residents in Georgina can share an experience or tell a story about the history of the Briars Resort and Spa, one of the area's oldest business establishments. Maybe they worked there during the summer, celebrated an important event, saw a play at the Red Barn Theatre or knew of some famous people that were guests. Whatever the connection, there is no denying the Briar’s Resort and Spa is part of Georgina’s fabric, and its existence has had a multigenerational impact on the area. 

To celebrate more than 200 years of agriculture in Georgina, the Town hosts a farm tour with a diverse mix of farms, each providing unique and educational experiences. The self-guided tour on the third Saturday in August consists of eight farmers at seven tour stops throughout the Town’s lakeside communities. Before you set out on this engaging tour, get to know the farms and what to expect.